Editor’s note: In an editorial last week “Legislature should ban the flimsy bag,” we suggested that it would be a powerful message if one of the legislators who opposed a recent bill to restrict the use of single use plastic bags in California became the champion of a new bill next legislative session. We specifically singled out Kevin de Leon, a senator who represents a good portion of L.A. County, including plastic-bag companies. We were quite pleased when he responded (see below) this week. While he didn’t talk about specific legislation, he does say he’s working on a solution with CAW. We will to hold him to that in the coming year.

I am supportive of the goal of banning plastic bags, but we need to do it in a smarter way. We cannot simply ban plastic bags without also addressing the impacts the policy will have on California workers. Banning plastic bags, without encouraging a California manufactured and green alternative, will only mean the loss of revenue and jobs. We can save the environment and protect and transition industry jobs by doing something that doesn’t just feel good, but does good.

As someone who sees myself as a champion for the environment, I have long supported a phase-out of single use plastic bags and a transition to reusable bags. In 2010, I supported Assembly Bill 1998, which would have implemented a phase-out of single-use plastic bags.

Unlike the current proposal supported by the Daily News, Senate Bill 405, this bill contained language and resources to support the transition of California manufacturing jobs to reusable and recycled bags.

Politics is about finding a balance often among competing needs. Given the choice, I will always defer to addressing basic financial needs — especially for those who are the most marginalized. I also believe that we can have both a strong economy and a healthy environment. I am working closely with Californians Against Waste, the sponsor of the legislation to phase out plastic bags, to craft a solution that supports workers and protects the environment.